Nearly 2.2 million people voted early in Georgia, shattering record

ATLANTA — The state of Georgia has shattered its early voting record with nearly 2.2 million votes cast prior to Tuesday’s presidential election.

According to Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s office said as of Friday, 2,180,000 ballots had been cast in the 2016 election. Friday was the final day of early voting in Georgia. That figure does not add in the votes cast on Friday, we are waiting to hear from Kemp's office for a final number.

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The previous record was set in the 2008 presidential election with 2,129,316 total early ballots cast.

“As Georgia’s chief elections official, I want to ensure every Georgian has the opportunity to allow their voice to be heard at the polls,” Kemp said in a news release from Friday.

There are several statewide amendments voters will decide on Nov. 8.

An amendment to Georgia's constitution that would empower the state to take over low-performing schools has placed Gov. Nathan Deal in a battle with teacher unions and parent-teacher associations.

The proposal would allow an appointed superintendent accountable to the governor to place failing schools in an "opportunity school district" and convert them into charter schools, overhaul management or close them.

Deal says the amendment would help children trapped in schools that have consistently failed to meet standards. Groups including the Georgia Association of Educators and the Georgia PTA say it would usurp local control of those schools.

Another amendment would dismantle the state's independent judicial watchdog agency, letting state lawmakers recreate the agency and exert control over it.

The Judicial Qualifications Commission was created in 1972 to investigate and resolve complaints of ethical misconduct by judges. In the past decade, the commission's actions have resulted in more than 60 judges leaving the bench. They include judges accused of sexual harassment and one who pointed a gun at people in court.

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Amendment supporters say the commission's independence has enabled it to force out judges without due process. Lester Tate, a former commission chairman, says the proposal is politically motivated and would let judges facing complaints seek favors from their legislators.

An amendment to increase penalties for human trafficking crimes would also impose a new tax on strip clubs and other adult entertainment businesses. The money would help pay for care for child victims of sexual exploitation.

Another proposed amendment would dedicate the existing 5 percent sales tax on fireworks to funding trauma care at hospitals, firefighter equipment and training and other public safety efforts.

We have set up a tipline for you to report any polling place issues or voting problems. You can also send us pictures of your voting experience at 470-485-2WSB (470-485-2972).

Atlanta and Fulton County voters will decide on a proposed increase in the local sales tax for transportation. The proposed TSPLOST includes two referendums for the city of Atlanta that together would raise Atlanta's sales tax from 8 percent to 8.9 percent, or 8.9 cents tax for every dollar purchased. It includes 0.4 percent for Atlanta city transportation projects and 0.5 percent for MARTA.

In Fulton County, outside the city of Atlanta, residents will vote on whether to raise sales taxes by three-quarters of a penny for five years to fund roads, bridges and other tranportation fixes. Fulton County will also choose a sheriff.

There is a question on the ballot Tuesday pertaining only to Marietta voters about term limits for city elected officials.

DeKalb voters will elect the county’s next CEO, decide whether to create the city of Stonecrest and extend tax breaks for homeowners.

Voters in Gwinnett will decide on a County Commission chairman and whether to renew a 1 percent sales tax for construction projects.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed to this article

Cox Media Group